Burrell ready as he'll ever be to play against legend O'Driscoll

Burrell: "I know it’s going to be a huge challenge"

PARIS, FRANCE - FEBRUARY 01: Luther Burrell of England break through to score a try during the RBS Six Nations match between France and England at Stade de France on February 1, 2014 in Paris, France. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) (Photo: 2014 Getty Images)

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Luther Burrell was only 12 when Brian O’Driscoll announced himself on the world stage with his hat-trick of tries in Paris.

That was 14 years ago.

This is now, and when Burrell wins his third Test cap for England on Saturday he will come face to face with 35-year-old O’Driscoll as the Dubliner makes his 131st Ireland appearance.

Throw in his eight Lions caps and O’Driscoll is poised to surpass George Gregan’s world record 140 Test cap mark if he plays against England and Italy.

A formidable prospect for Burrell? “I think I’m as ready as I’m ever going to be,” said the Huddersfield-born outside centre.

“I’m working well with the coaches. I’m really looking forward to the challenge and I know it’s going to be a huge challenge.’

“It’s going to be a huge honour to come up against him with him representing Ireland and me representing England.

“He’s a fantastic icon for the game and I’ve got the utmost respect for him.”

Burrell, 26, saw just how good O’Driscoll can be when his Northampton side hosted Leinster in the Heineken Cup in December.

Irish players congratulate Brian O'Driscoll on his try

The veteran made an out-of-this-world pass between his legs that put the Blues on their way to an emphatic victory.

“I’ve seen what he’s capable of,” acknowledged Burrell. “He’s a very dangerous player.

“It was me actually me who was going in to tackle him, so he did that straight between the legs.

“He’s just one of those players who’s got that X-factor. He didn’t even look where the ball was going and it went straight to hand.

“He’s got a lot of flair in his attacking game, he’s good over the ball, he can kick well, he’s got a good off-loading game and defensively, he may not be the biggest guy but he doesn’t miss many tackles.

“I know, and Billy (Twelvetrees) knows, that it’s going to be a big challenge for us.

“It’s not just him - the centre partnership (O’Driscoll and Gordon D’Arcy) have 50-odd caps together and they’re very experienced players.

“It’s going to be a very tough afternoon. As an England team we’re under no illusions - they’re a very strong outfit and they’re coming into this game with a lot of momentum.